Wagoner County couple tries to get their grandchild back from DHS custody

A Wagoner County couple is making a major public effort to free their 12-year-old grandson from DHS custody.

Bill and Lisa Woolley have hired experts and private investigators, purchased billboards and television spots, and posted a video online explaining why they believe they should regain custody.

The Woolleys' grandson was deported by DHS seven years ago when he was charged with the death of the boy's brother in 2018. Those charges were later dropped by Wagoner County.

News On 6 has decided not to name the 12-year-old boy because he is a minor.

The Woolley family, their private investigator and Governor Kevin Stitt's father called on DHS to return the 12-year-old boy to the Woolley family.

The boy was taken away from the Woolley family after his 14-month-old brother Elijah Woolley was found dead in Bill and Lisa Woolley's home in March 2018.

The Woolleys were charged with murder and child abuse in Wagoner County, but the charges were later dropped.

The Woolleys maintain their innocence and say the boy was not killed but died as a result of ongoing health problems, including constipation.

“I think he was just exhausted from everything that happened and just died,” said Bill Woolley, the boy's grandfather. “But that doesn't excuse why all these agencies and offices aren't rushing in to restore our family immediately after it's proven that we didn't do anything.”

Elijah's brother is now 12 and has been living with a family member for seven years.

The Woolleys now believe he is being abused in this home.

They say they received a call in July from someone who heard a relative of the boy bragging about abusing him.

“In this recording, he described in detail how he was repeatedly locked in a cupboard as punishment,” said Glory Woolley, the boy's aunt. “He had to go hungry and was only given bread and mustard as a meal when he was bad or misbehaved.”

The family says they have contacted DHS to try to get the boy out of the house.

The DHS sent us a statement on the case, which reads verbatim:

“Oklahoma Human Services is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of Oklahoma's children. Every child welfare case is different, and the specific details in these cases influence the decisions of the agency, courts, prosecutors and others involved in a case. In addition, child welfare cases are confidential under state and federal law, so we cannot discuss the facts or circumstances of a child welfare case with anyone who is not authorized by law or authorized by a court order to do so.”

The family says they will keep applying pressure until they succeed in getting the boy back.

“We love him with every fiber of our being,” said Lisa Woolley, the boy's grandmother. “And we will never, ever, ever stop fighting for him. If there is nothing else we do in our lives.”

The Wagoner County District Attorney says Elijah Woolley's death is a cold case and the investigation is ongoing.

There is no statute of limitations for murder cases.

The Broken Arrow Police Department released a public statement on the case, which reads:

“Broken Arrow Police were asked by local media to comment on a high-profile case involving an alleged juvenile victim. In Oklahoma, police records involving juveniles are confidential by law and not subject to public disclosure. In accordance with state law, BAPD will not discuss a specific case involving a juvenile, but we will comment on our practices and how seriously we take allegations of child abuse in our community. BAPD works in partnership with the Department of Human Services to ensure allegations of child abuse in Broken Arrow are fully, fairly and completely investigated. When appropriate, charges are forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review. Child safety is our top priority. In addition, outside influencers have on multiple occasions asked Broken Arrow Police and city leadership to circumvent state law regarding the juvenile case, which is the jurisdiction of the Department of Human Services. BAPD will strictly adhere to the law and will not give in to pressure from these third-party actors. We will continue to comply with state laws regarding the confidentiality of juvenile criminal cases while working with DHS to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. Any questions related to custody decisions or DHS investigations into a child's welfare should be directed to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.”